Over the past period, Russia has chaired
the CIS and put great effort into promoting integration in Eurasia and strengthening the global reputation of the CIS and the effective work of its
executive bodies.

The main attention was focused on bringing down barriers in the movement of goods and services and facilitating
customs procedures. Let me note that this year trade between the CIS countries
has grown significantly. According to the data for the first 10 months, it has
grown more than one-fourth (25.7 percent) to reach almost $117 billion. Just
for reference, it was $94 billion last year. Trade between the CIS and third
countries has grown almost as much: plus 24 percent.

The contractual foundation of the Commonwealth has grown stronger. The agreements on innovations, nuclear power
engineering and transport security have entered into force. Documents
countering the spread of counterfeit products and protecting intellectual
property have been adopted. The work on an important agreement – on free trade
in services within the CIS – is nearing completion.

The CIS countries are enhancing
their cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking. In May, the CIS countries’ secret services staged the large-scale
exercises, “Dushanbe-Anti-Terror-2017 in Tajikistan. Concepts for cooperation
in countering corruption and the legalisation of illegal income have been
reviewed and endorsed.

Humanitarian ties have been further
developed. As part of the Year of the Family, the CIS countries have introduced
a package of measures to support the institute of the family and traditional
values. A number of promising joint projects have been carried out in youth policy,
education, culture, sport, tourism and healthcare. A forum of the artistic and scientific intelligentsia was successfully held in Moscow in December.

Our states are closely cooperating on urgent regional and international issues and supporting the formation of a fair
global world order based on universally recognized principles of international
law and the key role of the United Nations.

I am convinced that the further
deepening of cooperation in the CIS meets the vital interests of our nations.
We will work together to resolve our tasks of socio-economic development and consolidating the stability and security of our states.

Colleagues, on January 1 Russia will
transfer its CIS Presidency to Tajikistan. I would like to wish success to Mr
Rahmon and all our Tajik friends.

And, of course, I would like to sincerely wish a happy
New Year to all of you and also to wish you, your families and friends, all the people of your countries, and all those who live in the CIS, good health,
happiness, wellbeing, peace and prosperity.